MCKINNEY, TX — Angelo State has been picked to finish fourth in the Lone Star Conference football standings for the 2026 season, according to the conference's preseason poll released Thursday during LSC Football Media Day.
The Rams received 215 points and one first-place vote in the poll, which is voted on by the league's head coaches, sports information directors and media members. Angelo State enters the season after winning two of the last four Lone Star Conference championships, claiming league titles in 2022 and 2024.
- Central Washington — 276 points (16 first-place votes)
- Western Oregon — 247 points (9 first-place votes)
- West Texas A&M — 217 points (1 first-place vote)
- Angelo State — 215 points (1 first-place vote)
- UT Permian Basin — 203 points (2 first-place votes)
- Texas A&M-Kingsville — 162 points
- Eastern New Mexico — 125 points (1 first-place vote)
- Midwestern State — 112 points
- Western New Mexico — 58 points
- Sul Ross State — 35 points
Defending conference champion Central Washington was selected as the preseason favorite after receiving 276 points and 16 of the 30 first-place votes. The Wildcats finished 10-2 overall last season and captured their first Lone Star Conference title with a perfect 9-0 conference record before advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Western Oregon was picked to finish second with 247 points and nine first-place votes after posting an 8-3 overall record and tying for second in the conference standings in 2025.
West Texas A&M edged Angelo State for the third spot with 217 points and one first-place vote. The Buffaloes finished last season 8-4 overall and closed the year with four consecutive victories, including a Heritage Bowl championship.
UT Permian Basin rounded out the top five with 203 points and two first-place votes. The Falcons won the conference championship in 2023 and advanced to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals last season.
Texas A&M-Kingsville was selected sixth with 162 points, followed by Eastern New Mexico with 125 points and one first-place vote. Midwestern State was picked eighth with 112 points, Western New Mexico ninth with 58 points and Sul Ross State 10th with 35 points.
The Lone Star Conference season begins as early as Aug. 27, when Angelo State opens its 2026 campaign. Midwestern State, Sul Ross State, Texas A&M-Kingsville, UT Permian Basin and Western Oregon begin play Aug. 29, while Central Washington opens its season Sept. 5.
All 10 conference teams will play nine league games to determine the 2026 Lone Star Conference champion.
Texas A&M-Kingsville owns a conference-record 27 football championships. Angelo State is tied with West Texas A&M for the second-most titles in conference history with five. Midwestern State has won four championships, while Eastern New Mexico and Sul Ross State have captured two each.
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